CCR

No, not Creedence Clearwater Revival

Cuban Computer Repair.

On two occasions I asked  my friend Heiler to look at my malfunctioning laptop. The first time he quickly diagnosed a bad memory stick and replaced it with one from his laptop.

The last time things were a bit more complicated. I had a problem with the keyboard that required complete disassembly and cleaning.

Both repairs started with the 12″ red handled kitchen knife and a shot of rum (for me).  When I asked him why he did not use the miniature tool set I gave him, Heiler shrugged, said something that I did not understand, and laughed. We all laughed. Cubans love to laugh. I drank more rum.

 

Where They Live – Avarista

Avarista is an 81-year-old living in Centro Havana. She tells us that she is former film star. Her screen name was Arri Teresa Bruzo.

 

Her apartment is hidden in the interior of one of the huge old buildings in Havana.

Like almost all the living spaces on the ground floor, the air is thick with the odor of mold and mildew.

 

Where They Live – Two Sisters

The Varonas are two sisters that live in two houses in a small village far outside the city of Holguin, Cuba.

L. and son Cristian.

Corrugated steel panels for roofing is typical.

The door in the distance is the outhouse and has no running water.

Cousins

 

M. lives on the same dirt road a few houses away.

The sisters wash clothes together because there is only one washing machine.

The white rectangular unit next to the red barrel is an old Soviet washing machine. It is increasingly difficult to find repair parts and new Chinese models cost over 250 cuc.

Decorations.

Proud people, the women keep their houses neat and clean.